Friday, 13th February 2015

Post by **PaulfromYorkshire** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 12:45 pm

Ooh PF you were within a second of me immortalising your error

Good afternoon!

TheGrimSqueaker · Post by **TheGrimSqueaker** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 12:50 pm

PaulfromYorkshire wrote:It is possible that they are now in a complete panic and Robinson is sacrificially keeping the spotlight on himself for as long as possible now. Hence him seeming much clumsier than usual.

Somebody else hinted at that.

Alastair Campbell @campbellclaret
· 40m 40 minutes ago
. @ed_miliband and @labourpress should draw strength from the fact Tories and media lackeys are going OTT so early and so often

PorFavor · Post by **PorFavor** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 12:53 pm

@ PaulfromYorkshire

Ha! Greased lightning, me.

Thanks for the David Cameron "Tweet". Cheered me up no end!

PorFavor · Post by **PorFavor** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 1:08 pm

TheGrimSqueaker wrote:
PaulfromYorkshire wrote:It is possible that they are now in a complete panic and Robinson is sacrificially keeping the spotlight on himself for as long as possible now. Hence him seeming much clumsier than usual.
Somebody else hinted at that.

Alastair Campbell @campbellclaret
· 40m 40 minutes ago
. @ed_miliband and @labourpress should draw strength from the fact Tories and media lackeys are going OTT so early and so often

That's called premature something or another, isn't it? It will come to me . . . .

Edited to add -

Sorry. Lowering the tone (if I may borrow someone else's (letsskiptotheleft?) tagline).

ephemerid · Post by **ephemerid** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 1:16 pm

I am seriously loving the French this afternoon.

Gauke told the House and Homer told the Select Committee that they had not done anything about the HSBC tax information they were given by the French in 2010 because there were "restrictions" (unspecified) which prevented them from doing so at the time. Looking at the transcripts of the statements both made, the language is identical - anyone would think someone had dictated what they were required to say.
These "restrictions", by some strange co-incidence, were "lifted" at our government's request just a few days before the brown stuff hit the whizzy thing. Now that we have, apparently, "permission" to use the information, seemingly we can, er, do something.

The French, in the person of one Monsieur Michel Sapin, Minister of Finance, have informed us that no "restrictions" of any kind have ever existed and France does not have the power (or the inclination, presumably) to prevent another country doing what they want with the information.
As, indeed, other countries have - investigations leading to fines, prosecutions, and imprisonments.

Whoops!

So now we know that both Gauke and Homer lied, they told the same lies in the same words, and their excuse for not acting for 5 years is......
a great big fat porkie pie.

This is turning into a total circus.

Post by **PaulfromYorkshire** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 1:24 pm

Has anyone seen Dave today?

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 1:26 pm

Well thank you all. Just back in from a soaking ... and enjoyed myself no end catching up with the thread.

I have now got new alternative names for two of my favourite nasties ....

Nick Robinson - Smirking prick - courtesy of Robert Snozers

David Cameron - Simpering wank trumpet - courtesy of Fuck Art Let's Dance ‏@donkbettilidie

They'll do nicely.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 1:43 pm

GeorgeMonbiot ‏@GeorgeMonbiot 48m48 minutes ago
The excuse the UK government has used for not prosecuting #HSBC turns out to be complete crap. http://www.theguardian.com/business/201 ... -criminals" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; …

ephemerid · Post by **ephemerid** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 1:45 pm

PaulfromYorkshire wrote:Has anyone seen Dave today?

He'll be in a bunker with Lin Ton somewhere, working out what to get Nick Robinson to say next.

Nick has presumably made up the "weaponise the NHS" thing and now the "Milly Dowler moment" thing - or maybe he's just dong this to deflect from Dodgy Dave's utter idiocy and impotence.

OGRFG, great statesman that he is, has been far too busy doing not a lot really while his NATO partners try to broker some peace in the Ukraine; and with the notable exceptions of staged speechifying and gratuitous insults while not answering PMQs, what has he been up to?

Idle, lardy-arsed git.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 1:47 pm

Matt Chorley ‏@MattChorley 52m52 minutes ago
Exc by @TomMcTague: Ukip 'desperately trying' to get Labour's Karen Danczuk to defect http://dailym.ai/1CmgogI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Told ya.

I refuse to post the picture of her in her bra that accompanies that tweet - especially as it's alongside one of Farage the Wide Mouthed Frog.

If that's what UKIP will count as a prize defection (she's already resigned as a Labour councillor thank goodness) - they are obviously very desperate.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 1:50 pm

Tom Newton Dunn ‏@tnewtondunn 2h2 hours ago
"The perfectly plausible posh Prime Minister who never had a purpose." @PCollinsTimes is brilliant today.

Jim Pickard ‏@PickardJE
Agreed. Loved the line re Black & White Ball being as advisable as taking Nazi float to Notting Hill carnival. @tnewtondunn @PCollinsTimes

It's not sounding like a good day for Dave, is it?

HindleA · Post by **HindleA** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 1:53 pm

"Chicken coming home to roost"

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 2:06 pm

PaulfromYorkshire wrote:This Tweet didn't go terribly well for Dave. Read the replies and enjoy

Edited to add the Tweet

" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Whew! Dave. Regular people don't like you. At all. Goodbye.

Toby Latimer · Post by **Toby Latimer** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 2:22 pm

Child is the father of the man ...

"At night young Cameron would join friends to carry out raids on strawberries being grown in the grounds. On one occasion when he was caught, he was beaten by the headmaster with a clothes brush.
When not stealing fruit, Cameron would sneak into the school pool for an after-dark swim or meet girls from a neighbouring school for midnight 'trysts'.

A 'terrible snob' at the age of seven, mocking people who used words like 'toilet'

He once told the mother of a friend: 'Women have the intellectual span of a gnat.'

In May 1983, Cameron was nearly expelled from Eton for his involvement in a minor drugs scandal which made the papers.
Teachers discovered found some boys were travelling to nearby Slough, buying cannabis and distributing it in the school. Several confessed to being small-time dealers and were kicked out immediately.
Cameron admitted only smoking the drug, and escaped expulsion but was fined, banned from leaving the site - known as 'gated' - and made to do lines.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... quare.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

StephenDolan · Post by **StephenDolan** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 2:29 pm

" Indeed Ukip support seems to decrease with educational attainment – there is a spike in support among those with secondary education. Other groups that over-index in support include retirees, renters of council or housing association homes, and individuals living in rural areas."

Not like the stereotype whatsoever...

StephenDolan · Post by **StephenDolan** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 2:31 pm

Toby Latimer wrote:Child is the father of the man ...

"At night young Cameron would join friends to carry out raids on strawberries being grown in the grounds. On one occasion when he was caught, he was beaten by the headmaster with a clothes brush.
When not stealing fruit, Cameron would sneak into the school pool for an after-dark swim or meet girls from a neighbouring school for midnight 'trysts'.

A 'terrible snob' at the age of seven, mocking people who used words like 'toilet'

He once told the mother of a friend: 'Women have the intellectual span of a gnat.'

In May 1983, Cameron was nearly expelled from Eton for his involvement in a minor drugs scandal which made the papers.
Teachers discovered found some boys were travelling to nearby Slough, buying cannabis and distributing it in the school. Several confessed to being small-time dealers and were kicked out immediately.
Cameron admitted only smoking the drug, and escaped expulsion but was fined, banned from leaving the site - known as 'gated' - and made to do lines.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... quare.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cameron did lines? I thought that was someone else.

Toby Latimer · Post by **Toby Latimer** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 2:37 pm

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Cameron wasn't the original Grandmaster Flashman

[youtube]HB-Kkvf5j5Y[/youtube]

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 2:44 pm

Oh dear. What a pity. Never mind.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-enter ... 42791.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He added: “It’s a great shame as the footage we have shows Derby Road is a place where, on the whole, people of different nationalities, cultures and religions respect and get along with each other. This will be reflected in the film.”

Yes, of course it will. Just like Benefits Street was a sympathetic look at the lives of downtrodden people.

HindleA · Post by **HindleA** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 2:47 pm

http://www.resolutionfoundation.org/med ... r-parties/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The SNP and austerity: how different are they to the other parties

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 2:57 pm

The names for the Guardian‘s staff ballot are in, and judging by the shortlist the publication could be close to following in the footsteps of the Economist by appointing its first female editor. Of the four candidates on the list, three of the candidates are members of the fairer sex.

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/steerpike/ ... -revealed/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting - any preferences ?

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 3:02 pm

AngryAsWell wrote:The names for the Guardian‘s staff ballot are in, and judging by the shortlist the publication could be close to following in the footsteps of the Economist by appointing its first female editor. Of the four candidates on the list, three of the candidates are members of the fairer sex.

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/steerpike/ ... -revealed/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting - any preferences ?

Emily Bell as I recall was actually engaged with the readership, although it's a pity Hannah Waldram didn't get in there...

PorFavor · Post by **PorFavor** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 3:15 pm

ErnstRemarx wrote:
AngryAsWell wrote:The names for the Guardian‘s staff ballot are in, and judging by the shortlist the publication could be close to following in the footsteps of the Economist by appointing its first female editor. Of the four candidates on the list, three of the candidates are members of the fairer sex.

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/steerpike/ ... -revealed/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting - any preferences ?
Emily Bell as I recall was actually engaged with the readership, although it's a pity Hannah Waldram didn't get in there...

It's more than a pity. It's bloody poignant . . .

StephenDolan · Post by **StephenDolan** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 3:21 pm

http://huff.to/17s0Fm5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So who is going to be the new Portillo? Great pic of Morgan btw

Eric_WLothian · Post by **Eric_WLothian** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 3:39 pm

AngryAsWell wrote: ...three of the candidates are members of the fairer sex.
Interesting - any preferences ?

Any, as long as blonde bombshell Boris isn't among them.

WelshIan · Post by **WelshIan** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 3:41 pm

Good afternoon, everyone, and hello to all the newer posters than me!

This is from a couple of weeks ago, not sure if it's been picked up before:

U.S. Declines to Prosecute News Corp in U.K. Hacking Scandal
Justice Department Ends Its Investigation Without Filing Charges

http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-decline ... 1422917767" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

An interesting snippet from the end:

Rebekah Brooks , a former News of The World editor who later became chief executive of the paper’s parent company, News International, was cleared of charges against her. She has been exploring job opportunities in the U.S., including at News Corp, a company spokesman said.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 3:53 pm

WelshIan wrote:Good afternoon, everyone, and hello to all the newer posters than me!

This is from a couple of weeks ago, not sure if it's been picked up before:

U.S. Declines to Prosecute News Corp in U.K. Hacking Scandal
Justice Department Ends Its Investigation Without Filing Charges
http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-decline ... 1422917767" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

An interesting snippet from the end:

Rebekah Brooks , a former News of The World editor who later became chief executive of the paper’s parent company, News International, was cleared of charges against her. She has been exploring job opportunities in the U.S., including at News Corp, a company spokesman said.

They are very welcome to her and her husband. She could pal up with fellow Tory exiles such as Louise Mensch - perfect for recreating her special supper parties with - they'll probably be called 'loft suppers'.

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:03 pm

PorFavor wrote:
ErnstRemarx wrote:
AngryAsWell wrote:The names for the Guardian‘s staff ballot are in, and judging by the shortlist the publication could be close to following in the footsteps of the Economist by appointing its first female editor. Of the four candidates on the list, three of the candidates are members of the fairer sex.

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/steerpike/ ... -revealed/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting - any preferences ?
Emily Bell as I recall was actually engaged with the readership, although it's a pity Hannah Waldram didn't get in there...
It's more than a pity. It's bloody poignant . . .

Isn't she off in New York now, or am I mixing her up with Bell?

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:04 pm

Wales NHS commission plan agreed by Labour and Lib Dems
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-31455950

I think this is probably good news - as long as it doesn't hold up or prevent health boards improving systems and services meanwhile - or result in the kind of massive overall restructuring that has taken place in England and wasted so much resource and focus.

The other good news - for us in Wales at least - has to be this announcement

Fracking powers would be devolved by Labour
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-31436790

WelshIan · Post by **WelshIan** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:04 pm

Simon Wren-Lewis on 'The Austerity Con'

http://www.lrb.co.uk/v37/n04/simon-wren ... terity-con" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's a long read.

Post by **PaulfromYorkshire** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:05 pm

As Twitter folk are pointing out - interesting for what it doesn't say

Little Nicky's latest blog post

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/correspondents/nickrobinson/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:05 pm

Paul Flynn ‏@PaulFlynnMP 6m6 minutes ago Newport, Wales
The more frantic and fictitious the Daily Mail headlines get about Labour, the greater our support increases. Three points up today. Thanks.

pk1 · Post by **pk1** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:08 pm

PorFavor wrote:
ErnstRemarx wrote:
AngryAsWell wrote:The names for the Guardian‘s staff ballot are in, and judging by the shortlist the publication could be close to following in the footsteps of the Economist by appointing its first female editor. Of the four candidates on the list, three of the candidates are members of the fairer sex.

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/steerpike/ ... -revealed/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting - any preferences ?
Emily Bell as I recall was actually engaged with the readership, although it's a pity Hannah Waldram didn't get in there...
It's more than a pity. It's bloody poignant . . .

Obvs....

Those were the days !

AnatolyKasparov · Post by **AnatolyKasparov** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:11 pm

ErnstRemarx wrote:
PorFavor wrote:
ErnstRemarx wrote: Emily Bell as I recall was actually engaged with the readership, although it's a pity Hannah Waldram didn't get in there...
It's more than a pity. It's bloody poignant . . .
Isn't she off in New York now, or am I mixing her up with Bell?

Waldram left for some private sector PR position IIRC, much to a certain Mr Cracknell's chagrin

Latest weekly review now up, btw

PorFavor · Post by **PorFavor** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:12 pm

ErnstRemarx wrote:
PorFavor wrote:
ErnstRemarx wrote: Emily Bell as I recall was actually engaged with the readership, although it's a pity Hannah Waldram didn't get in there...
It's more than a pity. It's bloody poignant . . .
Isn't she off in New York now, or am I mixing her up with Bell?

I googled Hannah Waldram and found this over at the Guardian:

Hannah Waldram

Hannah Waldram was a community coordinator on the news team at guardian.co.uk, helping to encourage user engagement on the site and the web around the news content. Hannah previously worked for the Guardian as the beatblogger in Cardiff, and has also worked as a social reporter by Birmingham based Podnosh, the editor of a dance website and she also founded the hyperlocal website BournvilleVillage.com. (Guardian, my emphasis)

Any good? It doesn't say what she's doing now.

Edited to try to get the quote thing correct.

pk1 · Post by **pk1** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:13 pm

PaulfromYorkshire wrote:As Twitter folk are pointing out - interesting for what it doesn't say

Little Nicky's latest blog post

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/correspondents/nickrobinson/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I reported here and elsewhere that the Labour leader's aides saw this as another Milly Dowler moment. The phrase was seized on by Labour's enemies in the press and by Tory HQ to suggest that Ed Miliband or his spin doctor were exploiting the memory of a murdered child. At no time did I or anyone else at the BBC make any such a claim. I did not directly quote anyone using the phrase "Milly Dowler moment" and won't of course reveal my source.

However, it's interesting to note that a Labour Party spokesman, quoted in The Times newspaper, has admitted to comparing the party's battle with Lord Fink with the way in which the story about Milly Dowler "crystallised" public concern over phone hacking.

Name of this spokesman ?

edit to add that it's probably fair to say most people don't have a sub to the Times & if it's a quote from a spokesman, surely there would be no harm in Robinson repeating the name of the quoted spokesman.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:13 pm

PaulfromYorkshire wrote:As Twitter folk are pointing out - interesting for what it doesn't say

Little Nicky's latest blog post

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/correspondents/nickrobinson/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Someone suggested yesterday that Labour should refuse to speak to Nick Robinson. Not sure if that is wise or possible. But they should surely stop 'aides' speaking to Robinson from now on. He seems to stir with anything that isn't said to him very publicly / on the record - so perhaps they could restrict their dealing with him to the strictly official / on the record / in front of the cameras? That, after all, proved to be his downfall when he tried to say Salmond hadn't answered his question but the camera footage showed otherwise.

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:18 pm

WelshIan wrote:Good afternoon, everyone, and hello to all the newer posters than me!

This is from a couple of weeks ago, not sure if it's been picked up before:

U.S. Declines to Prosecute News Corp in U.K. Hacking Scandal
Justice Department Ends Its Investigation Without Filing Charges
http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-decline ... 1422917767" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

An interesting snippet from the end:

Rebekah Brooks , a former News of The World editor who later became chief executive of the paper’s parent company, News International, was cleared of charges against her. She has been exploring job opportunities in the U.S., including at News Corp, a company spokesman said.

TheAmericans are welcome to the Other Ginger Rodent - d'you think someone should txt Obama just to let him know about the piece of criminal slime that's fetched up on his shores?

pk1 · Post by **pk1** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:23 pm

A Conservative MP has called on Labour leader Ed Miliband to publish documents relating to his share of his parents' former home.

The Daily Mail says provisions were made to split ownership after his father's death, which could be used to cut inheritance tax liabilities.

A Labour spokesman said the claims were a "straightforward lie" and that "no tax was avoided".

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said Mr Miliband should be open about his tax affairs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31452496" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:28 pm

PorFavor wrote:
ErnstRemarx wrote:
PorFavor wrote: It's more than a pity. It's bloody poignant . . .
Isn't she off in New York now, or am I mixing her up with Bell?
I googled Hannah Waldram and found this over at the Guardian:

Hannah Waldram

Hannah Waldram was a community coordinator on the news team at guardian.co.uk, helping to encourage user engagement on the site and the web around the news content. Hannah previously worked for the Guardian as the beatblogger in Cardiff, and has also worked as a social reporter by Birmingham based Podnosh, the editor of a dance website and she also founded the hyperlocal website BournvilleVillage.com. (Guardian, my emphasis)
Any good? It doesn't say what she's doing now.

Edited to try to get the quote thing correct.

She was the one - engaged directly with CiFers BTL, and was indeed Mr Cracknell's objet d'amour (allegedly). Should have realised that CiF was going tits up when she upped sticks and left (or, as is more likely, not offered any more work by the Graun at the behest of various interests seeking to change the tenor and direction of CiF).

What's it like BTL nowadays? It's a long time since I looked, and still longer since I posted. My guess is UKIP/Tory troll city?

Post by **PaulfromYorkshire** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:30 pm

Great Tweet

Post by **PaulfromYorkshire** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:31 pm

HR is of course now at Instagram

ephemerid · Post by **ephemerid** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:31 pm

More fantasmagorical Ukippery to treasure!

As reported by dailywales.net and hopenothate.org.uk UKIP have decided not to go with the preferred candidate for Coventry South - much to the disgust of the local party members.

Instead, a bonkers born-again religious nutter has been chosen - George Hargreaves. Having stood for various political parties, some of which he invented himself, and failed to gain any purchase here or in the EU, The Blessed George has ventured forth from his "for tax reasons" home on the Isle of Man to convince the good people of Coventry South to vote for him.

He is very keen on euthanasia, thinks abortion should be made a criminal offence, wants people with AIDS to be refused treatment on the grounds their illness is self-inflicted...and best of all, has attempted to get the Red Dragon of Wales removed from the country's flag because it is "the sign of Satan, the devil, Lucifer that ancient serpent..." etc.etc.

As a pop promoter, he also wrote songs like "So Macho" for his friend Sinitta. Which is a gay anthem......but I digress!
So George is now hoping to gain a seat in Parliament by unseating Labour's Jim Cunningham, a local who is well liked.

He hasn't much of a chance. But what fun it is to see yet another UKIP local candidate thwarted by the top bananas! This has happened so many times now it's getting silly. I wonder how many more defections there will be amid all the sulks?

StephenDolan · Post by **StephenDolan** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:35 pm

ErnstRemarx wrote:
PorFavor wrote:
ErnstRemarx wrote: Isn't she off in New York now, or am I mixing her up with Bell?
I googled Hannah Waldram and found this over at the Guardian:

Hannah Waldram

Hannah Waldram was a community coordinator on the news team at guardian.co.uk, helping to encourage user engagement on the site and the web around the news content. Hannah previously worked for the Guardian as the beatblogger in Cardiff, and has also worked as a social reporter by Birmingham based Podnosh, the editor of a dance website and she also founded the hyperlocal website BournvilleVillage.com. (Guardian, my emphasis)
Any good? It doesn't say what she's doing now.

Edited to try to get the quote thing correct.
She was the one - engaged directly with CiFers BTL, and was indeed Mr Cracknell's objet d'amour (allegedly). Should have realised that CiF was going tits up when she upped sticks and left (or, as is more likely, not offered any more work by the Graun at the behest of various interests seeking to change the tenor and direction of CiF).

What's it like BTL nowadays? It's a long time since I looked, and still longer since I posted. My guess is UKIP/Tory troll city?

The politics live blog is bearable (especially on a Friday, spads day off) but any political story on the main page gets a lot of frothing. Two in particular aim to be first posters.

PorFavor · Post by **PorFavor** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:40 pm

pk1 wrote:
A Conservative MP has called on Labour leader Ed Miliband to publish documents relating to his share of his parents' former home.

The Daily Mail says provisions were made to split ownership after his father's death, which could be used to cut inheritance tax liabilities.

A Labour spokesman said the claims were a "straightforward lie" and that "no tax was avoided".

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said Mr Miliband should be open about his tax affairs.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31452496" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I used to have, bookmarked, a fairly lengthy article from a few years ago on the Miliband property story. (I lost it when my computer had a conniption.) To the best of my recollection it was David Miliband who gained any advantage that there was to be had but I don't recall any evidence\allegations of tax shenanigans and, in any case, Ed Miliband's probity came out of it unscathed. Sorry that's so vague. It was quite a good and detailed article and it's a shame I lost it. I've got a feeling that it might even have been from the Mail and was presumably written to try (unsuccessfully) to dig the dirt and muddy the waters.

GetYou · Post by **GetYou** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:43 pm

ErnstRemarx wrote:Just seen that Geoffrey Manboob joined on Wednesday. Hello Geoffrey *waves*
And I will add that we've also enlisted our 100th member. Well done to GetYou - nice to hit three figures.

I am member 100? I need a haircut

Knowledgeable and passionate housing blogger Joe Halewood pulls up our glorious Ronsealed leader on a point of fact:

https://speye.wordpress.com/2015/02/12/ ... -see-here/

It's time the false narrative of "no private sector subsidy for spare bedrooms / we are just making things fair" was killed off once and for all.

edit: and hello Geoffrey!

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 4:53 pm

: Devastating Introduction to PJCollins in Times.jpg (72.11 KiB) Viewed 12573 times

Tim Montgomerie ن ‏@montie 2h2 hours ago
Devastating introduction to @PCollinsTimes' latest OpEd. Read the whole thing: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/c ... 352732.ece" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; …

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 5:07 pm

Notice
VAT Notice 701/14: food

Published 10 February 2014

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... 70114-food" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

B_a_s_t_a_r_d_s

pk1 · Post by **pk1** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 5:11 pm

citizenJA wrote:
Notice
VAT Notice 701/14: food

Published 10 February 2014

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... 70114-food" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
B_a_s_t_a_r_d_s

Could you be a bit more specific ? What's happened ? The notice is a year old - does it have any new impact on us that hasn't existed before ?

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 5:13 pm

At the risk of seeming to pick at the scabs of our SNP / Labour discussion yesterday ... I would still like to link to this piece from Mike Sivier yesterday. I think it sets out pretty clearly the challenges and catch 22s of any alliance / deal we raised here ... and also commends the strong points of Sturgeon's anti austerity stance. Then we get the comments below - and Mike's responses - which show exactly why it's very hard to see a positive way forward at the moment.

Sturgeon’s speech: sound and fury, signifying… what?
http://voxpoliticalonline.com/2015/02/1 ... /#comments

and apologies if someone already posted it - I'm aware it's from yesterday

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Fri 13 Feb, 2015 5:20 pm

ITV News ComRes poll reveals Labour lead in crucial marginal seats
http://www.itv.com/news/2015-02-13/itv- ... nal-seats/

Ed Miliband has had a tricky start to the year but our latest ITV/Comres poll brings a message from the marginals that gives Labour a boost.

We polled 1004 people from the 40 closest Labour/Conservative swing seats across England and Wales - the places where this election will be won and lost - and despite being almost neck and neck nationally, in the marginal seats Labour is much further ahead.
40% of voters are saying that they intend to vote Labour, compared to 31% Conservative.

Ukip are still beating the Liberal Democrats to third place - on 15% versus just 8%. And the Greens are on 5%.
40% Labour
31% Conservative
15% Ukip
8% Liberal Democrats
5% Greens
That is not a huge movement since we polled the same seats back in November - but Labour will take heart from the fact that they still have a lead and they are moving in the right direction - up 1%...